Alexander Zverev has opened up about the most challenging moment of his professional career, recounting his heartbreaking injury during the 2022 French Open. The German star described the devastating experience of tearing his ankle ligaments in the semi-final against Rafael Nadal as the toughest period of his journey in tennis. The match had been a gripping contest, with Nadal narrowly leading 7-6(8), 6-6 before the 2021 Olympic Gold Medalist slipped and sustained the injury at the back of the court. The setback ended the two-time ATP finals champion’s campaign at Roland Garros. It shattered his hopes of becoming the world No. 1, an opportunity made possible by the early exits of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.
In a video shared by his racket sponsor, Head, Zverev reflects on the incident and his anguish over missing what he believed was a golden chance to reach the pinnacle of the ATP Rankings. The injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, leaving him grappling with his recovery’s physical and emotional toll.
The Impact of Injury on a Rising Star
Zverev recounted the emotional weight of the moment: “I mean, 2022 at the French Open was the toughest moment of my career,” he admitted. “I was one match away from being world No. 1, playing probably the best tennis of my life against the greatest clay court player to ever live in Rafael Nadal.”
He elaborated on the significance of the missed opportunity: “Even if I lose the match, it’s Nadal–anything could happen. You can lose at the French Open to him; everybody has lost [to] him before. But, knowing in the back of my mind I need to win one match within three months to become world No. 1, that was difficult for me.”
The physical challenges compounded the disappointment. “Being in a cast and not being able to not only play but just simply to walk and do daily things, that was tough,” Zverev shared. Despite the challenges, he found a silver lining a year later, reaching the semi-finals of Roland Garros again.
The injury and its aftermath marked a turning point in Zverev’s career. He finished 2022 ranked world No. 12 and experienced further setbacks, falling outside the top 20 in early 2023. Yet, he demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to the Roland Garros semi-finals later that year, though he admitted to lacking confidence against Casper Ruud, to whom he lost in straight sets.
By the end of 2023, Zverev had climbed back to World No. 7, showcasing his determination to regain his place among tennis’s elite. His resurgence continued in 2024, culminating in a career-high finish as world No. 2. The German’s achievements included winning prestigious Masters 1000 titles in Rome and Bercy, alongside a runner-up finish at Roland Garros. A symbolic moment of his comeback came when he defeated Nadal in the latter’s first-round return to the French Open, marking the Spaniard’s farewell to the tournament.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
